Kirsten L has been working with Cleopatra on the ground, and partnered alongside her for Cleo’s first Joel Conner clinic back in October. Here’s her report on working alongside Cleo:
“When you first meet Cleopatra, give yourself a few moments to ensure that you have the correct horse. Cleo and Déjà vu are nearly identical so find any detail that you can to tell them apart. Some significant indicators can help such as the side that their mane lies on, the color of their tail and the spot of chestnut in their white blaze. Good luck with this first step! I too was challenged and once told “Cleo” that she had the wrong tail on when I had accidentally caught Déjà vu.
Speaking of which, catching her in her paddock has improved greatly, so much so that now I can walk straight up to her. In the past, it was necessary to move her forward and draw her in prior to approaching her as she was reluctant to being caught.
In our first Joel Clinic together this past October, Cleo made it clear to me that I had a lot to learn particularly about supporting her while feeling herd bound. Keeping her with me took consistent attention and the ability to both ask her to move and then creating a sense of peace when she was with me. It was like she was asking for two things at the same time; to return to her paddock with Déjà vu and also to try as hard as she could to connect with me. The focus of our time together centered also on having her respond at the level that she was being asked.
This lovely mare works very hard at trying to please. You will not mistake the fact that she also has an incredibly sweet demeanor, just like her herd mate!”
